Thomas McClish

Notes:

Truth or fiction -- or both? According to notes by Arthur H. Armington in "The Armington Family in America," Thomas McClish was "of Scotch parentage and in 1755 was a member of a company of the colonial militia. The banns of marriage had been published and preparations for the wedding had been completed when news of the defeat and death of General Braddock at Fort Duquesne arrived . . . McClish's company was ordered to the front. In a fight with the Indians he was wounded and left among the dead. He was seized by the Indians who were about to put him to death by torture when a squaw, who had lost her son in the battle, rescued and secreted him and nursed him until his wounds healed. After a time he was adopted into the tribe and his skin colored to resemble an Indian. After living seven years with the Indians he escaped, returned to Rehoboth and the long delayed marriage was consummated. Thomas McClish is said to have built the first brick house in Providence, probably of brick made in Barrington by Matthew Watson; it was a three story building with gambrel roof and is still standing (1928) on the east side of North Main street, north of Olney street, and numbered 537 and 539."

Thomas married Hannah Armington Abt Feb 1763. Hannah (daughter of Joseph Armington, I and Hannah Chafee) was born 20 Apr 1742. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Marriage intention filed 12 Feb 1763.